Proper Step Question

[Xman]

Need a little direction, I understand the 5 step system to cleaning (wash, clean, polish, ext) but wanted to know what comes first? polish then wax than seal? or wax, polish than seal? or polish, seal than wax? I am old and confused and could use your help please! At some point I will get this right!

[jfelbab]

Re: Proper Step Question

Wash, Clay, Polish, (Glaze optional), Seal or Wax or both, Maintain.

If you wish to use both a sealant and a wax use the sealant first, let it setup for a day and then apply a pure wax, one that has no cleaners in it like M16 or M26 for example.

The idea here is to wash away the loose contaminants first.

Remove the bonded contaminants with the clay second so that you don't scour them into your paint with a polishing pad.

Polishing will remove some of the paint to level it, removing swirls and fine scratches.

When finished with polishing the paint will need protection to keep it looking that way so a thin sacrificial barrier is applied using either a sealant or a wax. Typically two coats are recommended for even complete uniform coverage.

Some people prefer the look of a sealant over a wax. The differences are subtle but on some colors it is more noticable. Sealants tens to offer higher reflectivity and waxes tend to offer a deeper glow.

Sealants seem to offer longer longevity, in general, and wax seems to offer more protection against acid rain and bird droppings in my experience.

Sealants usually won't bond well over a waxed surface therefore if you decide to use both use the sealant first, let it cure for at least 12 hours and then apply a wax. If you use a wax that has cleaners in it, it will most likely clean off the sealant so be sure to only use a pure wax with out cleaners if you choose to use both.

Maintain with a weekly wash. I follow with an application of Ultimate Quik Wax. This is a wipe-on / wipe-off product so it only takes a few minutes. It can be applied to everything, glass, plastic, vinyl trim, etc. It extends the life of the sealant or wax that you applied and keeps your car looking freshly detailed for a much longer time.

[Shawn T.]

Re: Proper Step Question

Wash, Clay, Polish, (Glaze optional), Seal or Wax or both, Maintain.

If you wish to use both a sealant and a wax use the sealant first, let it setup for a day and then apply a pure wax, one that has no cleaners in it like M16 or M26 for example.

The idea here is to wash away the loose contaminants first.

Remove the bonded contaminants with the clay second so that you don't scour them into your paint with a polishing pad.

Polishing will remove some of the paint to level it, removing swirls and fine scratches.

When finished with polishing the paint will need protection to keep it looking that way so a thin sacrificial barrier is applied using either a sealant or a wax. Typically two coats are recommended for even complete uniform coverage.

Some people prefer the look of a sealant over a wax. The differences are subtle but on some colors it is more noticable. Sealants tens to offer higher reflectivity and waxes tend to offer a deeper glow.

Sealants seem to offer longer longevity, in general, and wax seems to offer more protection against acid rain and bird droppings in my experience.

Sealants usually won't bond well over a waxed surface therefore if you decide to use both use the sealant first, let it cure for at least 12 hours and then apply a wax. If you use a wax that has cleaners in it, it will most likely clean off the sealant so be sure to only use a pure wax with out cleaners if you choose to use both.

Maintain with a weekly wash. I follow with an application of Ultimate Quik Wax. This is a wipe-on / wipe-off product so it only takes a few minutes. It can be applied to everything, glass, plastic, vinyl trim, etc. It extends the life of the sealant or wax that you applied and keeps your car looking freshly detailed for a much longer time.

to everything

[wifpd4]

Re: Proper Step Question

Today would be a good day to vote....

I vote...two thumbs up for what Jim said. Succinct, to the point and right on!!

[Xman]

Re: Proper Step Question

Thank you for the help I will be posting pic's when I have gotten finished with this project, truly appreciate the information!!